Senior Sensor Systems Engineer

About Kinetic

Kinetic Automation is building a network of automated repair centers for modern vehicles. The auto industry is transitioning from mechanically complex vehicles to mechanically simple ones with complex software and technology. Kinetic aims to be the primary infrastructure-as-a-service for servicing future vehicles with our robotic repair centers, powered by our proprietary software and AI. We are a strong team of experienced robotics + automotive + shared mobility enthusiasts who have worked in self-driving, mapping, lidar, motorsport, ride-sharing and ghost kitchens. We are a venture backed startup (Series B) with a clear go-to-market strategy and meaningful revenue.

About the Role

The Sensor Systems Team at Kinetic is responsible for evaluating new sensor technologies and techniques for rapidly and efficiently calibrating automotive ADAS sensors as well as capturing the exterior and structure of vehicles with high resolution. We develop from the proof-of-concept stage through to production handoff. We are exploring a wide range of sensors, including cameras, lidar, radar, and structured light, applied in static, robot end-effector, and mobile scenarios.

As a Senior Sensor Systems Engineer, you will help develop sensor system ideas, plan and execute proof-of-concepts, and transition successful concepts to production. This role requires knowledge and hands-on experience with sensors, their evaluation and their integration into systems. This includes sensor physics and theory of operation, field-of-view planning, intrinsic/extrinsic calibration, environmental constraints, time synchronization and triggering, power supply design/selection, networking/communications, software drivers, robotic integration, and image/point-cloud/signal processing.

It is not expected that candidates will be skilled/knowledgeable about every potential aspect of the role; we are looking for well-rounded candidates to form a team with complementary skills.

Although this role is listed as "Remote," it is actually an in-person position in a to-be-established East SF Bay Area office (Oakland, CA). We've found that in-person communication is critical to our development velocity and business success. Additionally, we believe that spending time around brilliant coworkers and cool robots is one of the biggest perks of working at Kinetic :)

Required Experience and Skills

• BS/MS in Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics, or related field along with 5 years relevant experience
• Ability to work in person in Oakland, CA

Desired Knowledge/Experience

• Hands-on experience with sensors
• Automotive sensors: cameras, radar, ultrasonic, inertial
• Machine vision cameras (mono/stereo), lidar, structured light, polarized, multi/hyperspectral, encoders, inductive/capacitive proximity, x-ray/CT
• Knowledge of sensor physics and theory of operation
• Field-of-view planning
• Intrinsic/extrinsic calibration, image quality tuning
• Environmental constraints on sensor performance (dust/dirt/ambient light)
• Time synchronization/triggering
• Power supply design/selection
• Networking/communication (Ethernet, CAN, RS-232/422/485, I2C, SPI)
• Sensor driver development (Linux, C/C++, Python)
• ROS 2 development
• Robotic integration
• Image/point-cloud/signal processing

Desired Traits/Abilities

• High intellectual curiosity and attention to detail
• Able to work iteratively, adapt rapidly, and think critically
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Can work independently
• Able to travel to other company offices for collaboration

Benefits

• Competitive salary and equity package
• Comprehensive health and dental insurance
• Retirement savings plan
• Paid time off and holidays

Kinetic is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, or any protected attribute. We encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply and join us in our mission. If you require accommodation at any stage of the application process due to a disability, please let us know.